My grudge in the Autumn for this Love-Hate Relationship

In the sixth year after my divorce, I met my ex-wife Patricia in a cake shop.

When the clerk saw her, he smiled kindly. “Professor Angelo! buying strawberry cake for your husband again? Same as always, right? I’ve already packed it for you.”

Patricia nodded.

When she saw the two mango cakes I had packed, she told the clerk, “Put his order together with mine.”

I politely refused and took out my phone to scan the code first. But she quickly swiped her card before I could.

“This cake is 85 dollars a piece. You used to save for a long time before you were willing to buy even one. I’m a university professor after all, my finances are a bit better than yours. Don’t worry about it.”

I still wouldn’t accept it.

Then, she glanced at my clothes and sighed. “Rob, it’s been so many years. Are you still holding a grudge?”

I gave a small smile. “You’re overthinking it.”

At that, I rubbed touched the wedding ring on my ring finger.

I already have a new wife and a child. I had no need to hold grudges against another woman.

——

Patricia moved too fast and paid the bill for me. I didn’t want to accept it and insisted on paying myself.

The clerk then gave an apologetic smile. “Sir, I’m really sorry. This lady has already paid for you. If you want… maybe you can transfer the money to her?”

I turned around and spoke politely, “Please open your payment code. I’ll pay you back.”

Patricia sighed helplessly and handed me the cake bag. “Rob, take it. It'll be your birthday in three more days. Let these two cakes be my gift to you.”

Patricia’s voice was sincere. Yet, I didn't comment on that and simply opened my payment code.

“Scan my payment code. I don’t want to owe anyone.”

Besides, it was only two pieces of cake. Just afternoon tea for my daughter and me.

Seeing I was stubborn, Patricia stayed silent for a long time before finally taking out her phone. “You’re still the same as before, Rob.”

I didn’t reply and lowered my head to get the money transferred.

Patricia stopped me. “Rob, you really don’t need to be so serious.”

Her eyes moved over my worn, faded jacket. She hesitated. “I don’t need this. It's just a little more than 150 dollars. You might as well use it to buy yourself some clothes.”

I froze for a moment. Then I understood something before laughing out loud.

Earlier today, when I was doing volunteer work, I had given my jacket to a little boy who was caught in the rain. But since it was autumn and the weather was getting colder, I borrowed a random security guard’s jacket on my way home.

Patricia probably thought that I was still poor now.

Without much explanation, I simply said, “Thank you,” before finally leaving.

But someone grabbed my arm from behind.

“Let me drive you home.”

I stiffened and shook off her hand. “No need. Your husband will misunderstand.”

Patricia tried to grab my hand again but froze halfway.

She knew. Her husband, the eight years younger guy, gets jealous easily.

“Rob…” Patricia still held onto me. “Should we add each other’s contact information?”

I lowered my head and stayed silent.

When we divorced six years ago, things were very ugly. We deleted and blocked all contact details and even swore we’d never deal with each other again.

I shook my head. “Forget it.”

“Rob, you don’t need to hold a grudge. So many years have passed. I just hope you can live a little better…”

She said she wanted to add my contact so she could transfer me some money. “Think of it as… compensation for back then.”

I suddenly felt like laughing.

Back then, I made a huge scene and even threw away my dignity.